Heartburn at Night in the Third Trimester: What to Know

In the third trimester, the growing uterus can crowd the stomach. Pregnancy hormones may also relax the valve between the stomach and oesophagus. At night, lying down removes gravity's help, so acid may rise and cause burning, regurgitation, cough, or a sour taste.

This pattern often fits acid reflux, but severe upper-abdominal pain, especially with other pregnancy symptoms, should not be labelled heartburn without advice. Gastritis, a peptic ulcer, or a hiatus hernia may also produce digestive discomfort.

Eat smaller portions, take time over meals, and remain upright afterward. Avoid lying down soon after food and note personal triggers such as rich or spicy meals, coffee, chocolate, and mint. Raise your upper body securely for sleep and choose clothing that does not press on your abdomen.

Ask your maternity clinician, doctor, or pharmacist about pregnancy-compatible acid reflux medication. Tell them about prenatal vitamins, iron, and every other medicine because timing can matter. Do not borrow treatment or exceed label directions.

Contact your maternity team urgently for severe or persistent upper-abdominal pain, severe headache, vision changes, sudden swelling, chest pressure, breathlessness, fainting, vomiting blood, or black stools. Seek prompt advice if vomiting prevents fluids, swallowing is difficult, symptoms are unlike your usual reflux, or fetal movement is reduced according to your care plan.

Ask which treatment is suitable at this stage of pregnancy, whether your symptoms need examination, and how to distinguish reflux from pregnancy warning signs. Share when symptoms occur, whether they disturb sleep, and any associated headache, swelling, pain, vomiting, or change in fetal movement.